Calgary

Royal Academy of Punjab – Calgary

Royal Academy of Punjab (RAP) proudly delivers its signature standard of authentic Punjabi folk dance training to the Calgary community. As a growing regional branch within the RAP family, our Calgary location is committed to expanding access to disciplined Bhangra education, cultural learning, and community engagement across Alberta.

Built on the Academy’s long-standing values of authenticity, heritage, and professionalism, the Calgary centre offers structured programs designed for children, youth, and adults. Our focus is to nurture strong fundamentals, build confidence, and create meaningful cultural connections through the true folk dance traditions of Punjab.

Our mission in Calgary is clear: strengthen Punjabi cultural presence in Alberta, empower learners through disciplined training, and uphold the integrity of folk dance with respect, passion, and purpose.

Calgary continues to grow as an important extension of RAP’s cultural footprint—driven by dedicated instructors, community trust, and a commitment to shaping the next generation of confident, connected dancers.

Location & Contact

Calgary Studio Location
4216 10 St NE, Unit 2
Calgary, AB T2E 6K3

(368) 889‑0900

yyc@royalacademy.org

Lead Instructor & General Manager

Manjinder Singh Pharmah

Manjinder’s journey began in the early 2000s during his school years, when his passion for folk dance quickly transformed into leadership. By Grade 7 he was performing; within two years he became captain of his school Bhangra team and earned multiple Best Bhangra Dancer awards throughout his school career.

After Grade 12, college opened a pivotal chapter: dancing live on dhol for the first time. That experience solidified his love for authentic folk Bhangra. He went on to represent Punjab in major cultural festivals across Jaipur, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and many parts of India, sharpening his performance craft on prominent stages.

In Toronto, Manjinder performed on more than 1,000 stages—from public festivals to corporate events and government cultural programs—and later transitioned into instruction, refining his skills in team-building, choreography, and student development. Over 300 students have been coached under his guidance, ranging from kids as young as 5 to youth, adults, and even beginners in their 50s. In the past two years alone, he has led more than ten workshops across Alberta, including sessions with non‑Punjabi communities, using Bhangra as a tool for cultural connection and fitness.

Competition credentials are strong: his team placed 2nd at high‑level stages such as Bhangra in the Burgh in the USA, and he has earned multiple Best Performance awards at multicultural events where diverse teams compete. His specialty is authentic folk Bhangra—whether danced on dhol, traditional folk beats, or modern Punjabi tracks—with notable stamina, clean technique, and storytelling choreography. Beyond performance, Manjinder brings creative strength in video production, using visuals to showcase culture in a modern, professional way.

Teaching philosophy and vision for Calgary
Patience, motivation, and clear technique breakdowns define his approach. He believes, simply: anybody can dance with the right guidance. After teaching across Toronto and Edmonton, Manjinder is now bringing his expertise to Calgary, with a vision to build a top‑tier hub for authentic folk Bhangra. The mission is to create a positive, inspiring, and professional environment where every learner—child, adult, beginner, or experienced dancer—feels proud of their roots and excited to grow.